STROLLER

We didn’t choose the best stroller and ended up reselling it after 10 months.  Now we use a McLaren Triumph that suits us perfectly at this stage.  If I was to do it all again knowing what I know now, I would get either the Bugaboo Bee (link here) or a Maclaren with infant capabilities (link here).  The small size, maneuverability and high quality parts/wheels of the stroller ended up being of utmost importance in the city for me.  We walk ALOT and are pretty tough on our stroller.   .   [UPDATE]True to my word, we have gone with the Bugaboo Bee3 this time with plans to add a ride along board for Theo.  I'll report back on whether this was the best decision for us. But considering how much I walk when we share one car I don't think this will be a purchase I regret. A very close second was the Babyzen YoYo+!

CAR SEAT

I don’t have any strong opinions about a car seat beyond the fact that you need one.  We chose the Maxi Cosi Mico (link here) for lightness and clean design and we were happy with it.  I do think a stroller with car seat adaptability is very helpful especially when not wanting to wake a sleeping baby after a car ride or for travel.  It’s certainly a modern luxury but we found it helpful in the first year. [UPDATE] After lending out our Maxi Cosi Mico we plan to use again for Baby #2. We are a little nervous about fitting two car seats into our car.  Did I mention we also have a tiny car?!

BLANKETS

A couple of Aden and Anais (link here) swaddling blankets are worth the extra $$.  They are the perfect size for a nice tight swaddle and make a great sunshade. The muslin just keeps getting softer and they come in cute patterns and colours.  We are still using ours, especially in the warmer months. [UPDATE]I still love our Aden and Anais Swaddles but it seems the market is now flooded with beautiful swaddles, some of my new favourites are Modern Burlap and Little Unicorn.

SLEEP SACK

My go to expert on all things parenting (hi Karen!!) recommended an Ergo Cocoon to help with sleep before Theo was born.  I thought it looked ridiculous but we bought one just in case.  And as usual she was right, it helped sooo much.  He loved being all snug and zipped up.  He would actually smile when we zipped him in.  We even used it at naps sometimes to calm him. I believe it helped him to be a great sleeper (until teeth started coming in). 

This list is not complete and I hope to update with some more small details at a later date but if the items listed above were all you had you would be fully equipped and comfortably spoiled just like us.  

I would also highly recommend sharing your beloved baby items once you outgrow them.  It saves having to store them and helps out a friend who is probably just as nervous about getting ready for baby as you were.